Hiking Bear Creek Falls Trail in Telluride, Colorado

Telluride, Colorado, may be small, but it’s one of the most popular destinations in the Rockies. Nestled in a dramatic box canyon and surrounded by towering peaks, this town is the perfect place to begin exploring mountain trails. One of the most rewarding hikes right from downtown is the Bear Creek Falls Trail. It’s a moderate climb through forest and canyon that leads to a spectacular waterfall. For van lifers like us, it offered the perfect balance of challenge, scenery, and accessibility.

Trail Overview

• Distance: 5 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,092 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Rated: 4.8 on a 5.0 scale
• Highlights: Forested climb, river views, and a dramatic waterfall payoff
• Trail Head Location: At the end of South Pine Street in downtown Telluride.

The trail begins right from downtown Telluride. That accessibility makes it popular with locals, day hikers, and travelers, but don’t let that deter you — the views and the experience are worth it.

Our Hiking Experience

Because we don’t live in a mountain town, we always give ourselves a few days to adjust to the altitude before tackling longer or steeper trails. On day three in the Rockies, Bear Creek Falls Trail felt like a good test of our bodies’ ability to acclimate. We wanted a moderate hike with a waterfall that wasn’t too steep. This trail was a perfect fit for us. It’s a steady climb the entire way, but never brutally steep, just the right workout without being overwhelming.

The river runs parallel to much of the trail. During our hike, the water flow was light, making crossings easy, but the waterfall at the end roared with power. Water levels change throughout the year, so expect different experiences in spring snowmelt, late summer, or fall.

As we hiked, we noticed fall colors just starting to arrive. Aspen trees still held their green leaves, but shrubs and ground plants glowed in yellows, oranges, and reds. It was a beautiful preview of autumn in the Uncompahgre National Forest. If fall colors hiking near Telluride is a consideration for you, this trail delivers.

Reaching Bear Creek Falls was a reward worth every step. The base of the falls is easy to access, and we had the rare treat of enjoying it alone for half an hour before other hikers arrived. The mist, the roar, and the framed canyon views made it a perfect place for pictures and reflection. Overall, we consider this hike to be one of the best morning hikes in Telluride.

Why We Loved It

• Continuous but manageable uphill climb, ideal for acclimating to altitude
• Seasonal beauty with changing water flows and fall color
• Easy access to the waterfall for photos
• A rewarding hike that felt both adventurous and approachable

Practical Tips for Van Travelers

• Parking: Parking in Telluride is a challenge, especially for vans like ours. We were lucky to find a street parking spot near the trailhead, but many hikers parked several blocks away. Arrive early or consider biking in from farther out.
• Best Time to Hike: Mid-week mornings are quieter. We had stretches of trail and even the falls to ourselves before the crowds arrived.
• Boondocking: Unlike other Colorado towns, boondocking is harder near Telluride. Public lands are less plentiful and often require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles to access. If you’re in a van, plan carefully for where to overnight. We stayed at Ridgway State Park, 40-minutes away.

Nearby Attractions

• San Miguel River Trail — A gentle riverside walk right in town.
• Telluride Gondola — Free, scenic, and connects downtown to Mountain Village.
• Bridal Veil Falls — Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, just up the canyon.
• Telluride Historical Museum — Learn what makes the town unique.

A Brief History of Telluride

Telluride’s roots trace back to the late 1800s mining boom. Gold and silver brought prospectors to this isolated canyon, and the town grew quickly. In fact, Telluride was once a rough-and-tumble mining hub, famous for outlaws like Butch Cassidy. Today, it’s transformed into a cultural hotspot — home to world-class festivals, skiing, and outdoor adventure — yet it retains its Old West charm.

Final Thoughts

For us, Bear Creek Falls Trail was the perfect hike at the perfect time. It tested our legs, gave us a taste of Telluride’s beauty, and delivered a stunning waterfall as a reward. Whether you’re just acclimating to the altitude or you’re looking for a classic Telluride hike, this trail is one to add to your list.

If you’re traveling through Colorado by van, plan to spend some time in Telluride. Just be ready for the parking puzzle and limited boondocking. The reward is worth the challenge.

Other Colorado destinations we recommend are, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the Collegiate Peaks, Ouray and the million-dollar highway.